The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Homeshare (Shared Lives)

2nd Floor, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4AS (020) 8314 6281

Provided and run by:
London Borough of Lewisham

All Inspections

5 March 2013

During a routine inspection

We met with eight of the placement carers. They described the training and support provided by the project that enabled them deliver the care and support that people needed.

People who were supported through the Homeshare Shared Lives scheme told us they were happy with their placements. They felt they had developed as individuals and were comfortable with the carers.

One person told us, "I have lived with the same people for fifteen years because my biological parents are deceased. The couple provide a good home for me and are like my mum and dad; I am treated like one of the family".

People told us of feeling valued and respected by carers. A person we spoke with said, "I like where I live, the family treat me well. I have my own room. Nobody goes into the room without being invited".

The provider was careful to explore the various options available in order to get the most appropriate placement and service for people. They took the time to match people with the most suitable placement carer. They found out about people's preferences and arranged several meetings at the placement between both parties before a placement agreement was reached.

Robust vetting procedures and checks were in place to ensure that people providing the placement were suitable to work with vulnerable adults.

Annual reviews were completed of the placements and people were asked their views about the placement and the care they received.

29 February 2012

During a routine inspection

People told us they had their own bedrooms and could use other facilities in the homes where they are placed when they wanted to. They attended day centres, went to work and accessed community activities during the week and felt these facilities were important in their daily lives.

People were aware of who to speak to if they were unhappy or had problems where they were living.

They told us that most of the time they made their own decisions about what they did each day. They sometimes they required help from their carers.

People told us that they had good relations with the carers and staff, were treated with respect and dignity and had been assisted to maintain their independence. They told us that they felt safe and comfortable with the carers and staff.

People told us that they were satisfied with the level and quality of services being provided by carers and staff. Carers told us that they sent in their monthly progress reports to Homeshare office and attended bi-monthly meetings regularly.